|
|
May 22nd 2004
Wet conditions for a number of games did not dampen the enthusiasm of Awakeri’s
soccer teams on Saturday.
A strong and organised start saw United create good pressure in the first quarter,
leading to two early goals against NewCom Awakeri in the 15th grade league.
Excellent communication combined with accurate ball forward saw the Awakeri
defence stretched and broken on many occasions. Awakeri midfielders Tyler Hunt
and Kerry Robins-Tukiri, keeper Simon Barr and the back three worked hard to
keep
the half time score to 2 - 0 to United.
The second half saw this young Awakeri side lift their game and began to put
together
a top display of football. Midfielders Jarred Scoles, Daniel Jones and Ezra
Allerby
began to put the ball wide and into gaps for their forwards to run onto. Up
front
Richmond Brown and Hayden Te Moana had a few chances but failed to find the
back of the net.
To hold this strong United team out for ¾ of the game shows depth and
commitment.
Keeper Simon Barr was named player of the match for Awakeri with all
players
giving 100%. The final score was 2 - 0 to United.
The Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers played Opotiki in the 13th grade at
Awakeri. Good defence from both sides made it nil all at the break. The rain
got
heavier. A change around of defenders to attackers netted three goals for the
Rangers.
Great keeping from player of the match, Lukas Langdon, kept Opotiki scoreless.
The
score was 3 - 0 to Rangers. The goal scorers were James Wilson and Hayden and
Matthew Reeves.
Also in the 13th grade, Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces had a tough game
against Ohope. The bigger Ohope players overwhelmed Aces at first, but the Aces
came back to hold their own a lot more as the game went on. Wade Matchitt
was
named player of the match for his non-stop work. Ohope won the game 12 - 0.
In the 11th grade Awakeri Steelers had their best game of the season. In a very
even
encounter, Steelers went down to Opotiki 2 - 0. The whole team played well in
the
wet conditions, with Lindsey Cotter earning player of the match for his
determination.
Both 10th grade teams had solid wins on Saturday. Drain Tech Awakeri Diggers
put
in a good team effort against Saints and came away with a 6 - 0 score. Player
of the
match Riki Roia grabbed a hat-trick, while midfielder Sam Schuler chimed
in with
two and Gareth Rowlands also scored.
Da Silva Awakeri Autos continued their fine start to the season with a convincing
win
against Allandale. Autos passing set the scene, with sone very good combinations
developing. Guy Kamphorst won player of the match, scoring twice and
showing
excellent passing and positional skills. Jayden Haddock, Keanu Carter and Stephen
Glassbrook all knocked in goals as well. Autos won the game 13 - 0.
Awakeri did well in their 9th grade game with Thornton. Caleb Sheather continued
his good form with two goals, while player of the match Ricky Hollis
also scored to
nail a 3 - 2 win. Good passing and attacking earned Hollis his award. Clive
McIndoe
also impressed with his solid defence.
The Awakeri Kingz had a very close 8th grade game at Opotiki. Luke Matchitt
scored
the goal to give Kingz a 1 - 0 win. Nicci Hammond was deservedly named
player of
the match.
A good defensive game was played by Awakeri Jets 7th grade against Whakatane
Sonics, resulting in a 0-all draw. There was good field play all round and a
great shot
by player of the match Toby Kirkpatrick which narrowly missed the goal.
The Edge Swim School Awakeri Bullets 6th grade had another powerful game. This
team of first timers is really shining. Some players are real naturals and live
up to the
team name - 'bullets', and others have learnt to complete a game with drive
and
determination. Such a player is Nikki Gilbert who stayed the whole distance
and gave
that soccer ball a hard time. Nikki was awarded player of the day. The Whakatane
Magpies were great opposition, but the end result was 3 - 1 to the Bullets.
Also in the 6th grade, Awakeri Tigers had a good challenge with Whakatane
Transformers. The cold and wet conditions didn’t put these youngsters off.
Joshua
Keightley scored, while Liam Sanson was named player of the match. Transformers
won the game 3 - 1.